Organic Certified Lychee
Also known as: Lychee, litchi, lychee fruit extract, oligonol, Litchi chinensis
Overview
Litchi chinensis, commonly known as lychee, is a tropical fruit whose extract is utilized as a polyphenol-rich supplement. It is particularly noted for its oligomerized polyphenols, such as oligonol, which contribute to its high antioxidant capacity. Lychee extract is primarily investigated for its potential to enhance exercise performance, improve metabolic health, and support liver function. Its mechanism involves antioxidant activity and modulation of gut microbiota. While research is emerging, including some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic studies, comprehensive systematic reviews are limited. The current evidence quality is moderate, with promising results from small to medium-sized RCTs and preclinical support.
Benefits
Lychee extract offers several evidence-based benefits. Short-term supplementation (7 days) has been shown to significantly increase average power output during high-intensity intermittent exercise and reduce blood lactate accumulation in male athletes, indicating improved endurance and metabolic efficiency. This benefit is supported by an open-label RCT (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). For liver health, a 24-week double-blind RCT in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) demonstrated that oligonol supplementation significantly reduced liver fat content (measured by MRI-PDFF) and improved gut microbiota diversity, favoring beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (p < 0.05). Secondary benefits include antioxidant effects that may mitigate exercise-induced oxidative stress, although direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction has not always been statistically significant. These benefits are particularly relevant for athletes and individuals with NAFLD, with exercise improvements seen within a week and liver benefits over several months.
How it works
Lychee polyphenols exert their effects primarily through potent antioxidant activity, scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing the body's overall antioxidant potential. Beyond direct antioxidant action, they play a crucial role in modulating the gut microbiota. By increasing beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and reducing pathogenic species, lychee polyphenols contribute to improved liver metabolism and a reduction in systemic inflammation. The higher bioavailability of oligomerized polyphenols, compared to their monomeric forms, is thought to enhance their systemic effects and interaction with various biological pathways, including those involved in oxidative stress and gut microbial ecosystems.
Side effects
Current research indicates a favorable safety profile for lychee extract supplementation. No significant adverse effects have been reported in randomized controlled trials, even with short-term (7 days) or longer-term (24 weeks) use. This suggests good tolerability across different populations, including athletes and individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The available literature does not identify any known drug interactions or contraindications. While specific risk factors have not been detailed, the absence of reported side effects in clinical studies is reassuring. However, as with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing conditions or those on medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. Comprehensive safety warnings beyond the lack of reported adverse events are not currently available due to the emerging nature of the research.
Dosage
Optimal dosing for lychee extract, particularly oligomerized forms like oligonol, requires further clarification from full study texts, as exact dosages were not specified in the provided summaries. However, typical polyphenol supplement dosages often range from 100–200 mg/day. For exercise performance benefits, short-term loading, potentially for 7 days prior to activity, has been investigated. For metabolic benefits, such as those observed in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic daily dosing over several months (e.g., 24 weeks) appears necessary. The form of the extract, specifically oligomerized polyphenols, is considered important due to enhanced bioavailability. Upper limits and safety thresholds have not been explicitly defined in the provided research, but current studies suggest good tolerability within the implied dosage ranges.
FAQs
Is lychee extract safe for daily use?
Current randomized controlled trials indicate good safety with no reported adverse effects over short and medium-term supplementation, suggesting it is safe for daily use within studied durations.
How soon do benefits appear?
Improvements in exercise performance may be observed within 1 week of supplementation, while significant reductions in liver fat content require several months of consistent use.
Does lychee extract reduce oxidative stress?
Lychee extract improves the body's overall antioxidant potential, but direct evidence for statistically significant reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is limited.
Is it effective for weight loss?
There is no direct evidence supporting lychee extract as a weight loss aid. Its benefits are primarily related to metabolic health, exercise performance, and liver fat reduction.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8580582/ – This open-label randomized controlled trial with 10 male athletes investigated short-term (7 days) oligomerized lychee fruit extract supplementation. It found significant increases in average power output and reduced blood lactate during high-intensity intermittent exercise, alongside improved antioxidant potential. The study's small sample size and open-label design are limitations, but it provides preliminary evidence for exercise performance enhancement.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9319370/ – This double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 38 adults with moderate to severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over 24 weeks. It demonstrated that oligonol supplementation significantly reduced liver fat content (measured by MRI-PDFF) and improved gut microbiota composition, favoring beneficial bacteria. This high-quality study provides strong evidence for the metabolic and liver health benefits of lychee extract.
Supplements Containing Organic Certified Lychee
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